National

INFRASTRUCTURE AND Road Safety

TRANSPORT MINISTERS Strategy

National Road Safety

Action Plan
2023–25
Contents
Foreword  1
Introduction  2
Road Safety in Australia 3
Social model 5
Delivering the Action Plan  6
What we are already doing 8
Enabling activities  11
Data11

Measure transformation of the system 12

Research13

Supporting local government 13

Priorities14
Infrastructure planning and investment 14

Regional road safety 15

Remote road safety 16

Vehicle safety 17

Heavy vehicle safety 18

Workplace road safety 19

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People 21

Vulnerable road users 22

Risky road use 23

Foreword
This Action Plan details the national actions that
Australian, state and territory governments will
undertake over the next three years to support
implementation of the National Road Safety
Strategy 2021–30.

The Action Plan was developed co-operatively by the Australian Government

and state and territory transport and road safety government agencies, and has
been informed through consultation with our road safety stakeholders. It is a
national and combined effort and we, as the responsible ministers, will provide
transparency and oversight of the joint national effort to achieve our collective
road safety goals.
The Action Plan contains targeted actions that focus on interventions to address
the priorities of the Strategy. The enabling actions, of data and research, build
the foundations to progressively transform the road transport system. State
and territory road safety action plans support the National Action Plan through
inclusion of specific jurisdictional-based policies, initiatives and programs to
reduce deaths and serious injuries on our roads.
This Action Plan represents an agreed implementation pathway, and includes
accountability measures to ensure all parties are held to account. We, as
Infrastructure and Transport Ministers, will provide oversight of the combined
national effort towards our collective road safety goals by monitoring progress
against our key priorities and safety performance indicators. Implementation of
the Action Plan will be made transparent through an annual report delivered
to us, as the responsible ministers, showing how initiatives are progressing
and identifying where efforts may need to be changed to achieve the
greatest benefits.
Further, decision-making will be supported using current and accurate national
data. National data will enable the detection of patterns that may not previously
have been visible due to disconnected and multiple sources of data.
This Action Plan will set Australia on a path to addressing the ambitious trauma
reduction targets we agreed to in the Strategy. While the actions set out in this
plan are for governments, long-term cultural change is needed across Australian
businesses, community organisations and society if we are to make a lasting
difference to road trauma. Implementation of the actions will require strong,
genuine collaboration and engagement with all sectors of government and
the community.
Together, we can help drive better safety outcomes on Australian roads towards
our shared goal of Vision Zero – no person is killed or seriously injured on our
roads by 2050.
Infrastructure and Transport Ministers

National Road Safety Action Plan / 2023–25 1

Introduction
The National Road Safety Strategy 2021-30 (the Strategy) was agreed to by the Australian Government and all state
and territory governments in May 2021. It sets the agenda for co-ordinated and planned government action to improve
road safety over the next 10 years.
This National Road Safety Action Plan 2023-25 (the Action Plan), is the first Action Plan under the Strategy which sets
out the key actions all governments will undertake to 2025, in pursuit of the agreed priorities identified in the Strategy.

Priority areas
The Strategy identifies 9 priorities where data shows the The Action Plan addresses the priorities of the Strategy
greatest reductions in road trauma can be achieved over and builds the foundations vital to progressively
the 10 year period. transforming the road transport system towards Vision
Zero by 2050.
This Action Plan details national actions all governments
will undertake to 2025 in support of the implementation
of the Strategy and should be read in conjunction with
the Strategy.

PRIORITIES

Infrastructure planning Vehicle Aboriginal and Regional Heavy

and investment safety Torres Strait Islander road safety vehicle safety
people

Vulnerable Remote road Workplace Risky road

road users safety road safety use

2 National Road Safety Action Plan / 2023–25

Road Safety in Australia
Road safety is everyone’s responsibility,
it is not solely a transport issue, nor is
it solely a government problem. It cuts Total
across the health and social services combined
sectors, law enforcement, education length of
and justice, planning and industry, and
through everyday activities – we all use
Australia’s
the road. road network

Each level of government in Australia has different

responsibilities and levers to pull to contribute to the
877,651km
reduction of road trauma.

24.7%
State and territory governments have the most significant
influence over road safety, as they manage and deliver
road infrastructure investments; deliver workplace,
health and safety and public health care systems; are
of all roads are managed
responsible for vehicle registration and licensing systems;
deliver road safety education and awareness campaigns; by states and territories
manage operation of the road network and its interfaces;
and are responsible for the adoption of the road rules 23,696km National
and enforcement. Highways and
The Australian Government regulates safety standards 193,358km
for new vehicles entering the market; allocates funding other roads
for infrastructure investments across national highways
and local road networks; contributes to the funding of the
TOTAL LENGTH

217,054km
nation’s health care system; and represents Australia’s
interests in international road safety fora. It also has a role
in the co-ordination of national road safety efforts and the
collation of data and research to present a national picture
of the road safety environment.

75.3%
Local governments work closely with their communities
on the use of roads and public spaces. They manage and
deliver local infrastructure projects, and are responsible
for the regulation of their local areas. Like their state and
of all roads are managed
territory counterparts, local governments also manage and
maintain their own local road networks and footpaths. by local government

Working alongside all levels of government,

TOTAL LENGTH

660,597km
there are also a range of independent entities
responsible for road standards, vehicle design,
road safety research, road safety advocacy
groups, road safety user groups, transport
unions, insurers and others with expertise in the
transport sector.
*Management of roads in Australia

National Road Safety Action Plan / 2023–25 3

 State and Territory
Governments
• Funding and investment for
roads and road safety initiatives
• Road rules and law enforcement
• Licensing and vehicle registration
• Work health and safety laws
• Crash data gathering,
monitoring and reporting
• Education and awareness
Local
Governments
• Local road infrastructure
maintenance and improvement
• Advocacy to state, territory
and federal government
• Local road safety education
and outreach programs

National Road
Safety Strategy
2021-30

Australian Government Road Safety Stakeholders

• Funding and investment programs • Advocacy and independent advice
for roads and road safety for road safety
initiatives
• Independent safety standard
• Australian Design Rules setting such as ANCAP ratings
• Heavy vehicle regulation
• Model Australian Road Rules
• National crash data reporting

4 National Road Safety Action Plan / 2023–25

Social model
The National Road Safety Strategy 2021-30 takes a new
approach in its delivery – the social model approach.
This Action Plan uses the social model approach to
achieve objectives identified in the Strategy, including:
• Building road safety capabilities in local governments
• Supporting Australian businesses to develop positive
road safety cultures
• Partnering with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
people, organisations and communities to deliver
community based road safety initiatives.
Social Model
SYSTEM/PUBLIC
POLICY APPROACH
COMMUNITY
APPROACH
In order to make a lasting difference to road trauma,
long-term cultural change is needed to make road
safety ‘business as usual’ across all local and state road
authorities, as well as fostering a road safety culture
across Australian businesses, community organisations
and society. The social model leverages influence as the
key element to bring about change.
The social model comprises 5 layers, with each layer
influencing road safety and behavioural change.
Behavioural change is required in order to lift our road
safety culture and the social model approach is expected
to complement training and education to achieve
greater success.
The social model will allow the Strategy to reach beyond
the areas traditionally involved in road safety. As this
approach is new, it will take time to implement and how it
is used will grow over the life of the Strategy.
Further information about the social model approach is
available on the National Road Safety Strategy website.

ORGANISATIONAL
APPROACH

INTERPERSONAL
FUNCTIONS

INDIVIDUAL
FUNCTIONS

National Road Safety Action Plan / 2023–25 5

Delivering the Action Plan
This Action Plan identifies what all
governments will do to achieve better
road safety outcomes. It is a national,
combined effort, representing
a pathway of implementation
agreed by the Australian, state and
territory governments.
6 National Road Safety Action Plan / 2023–25
Through an annual progress report, the Australian
Government and all states and territories will provide
transparency and oversight of the combined national
effort in achieving our collective road safety goal of
reduced road trauma. When released, the report will be
publicly available on the National Road Safety Strategy
website (www.roadsafety.gov.au/nrss). Indicative
timeframes under each priority set expectations for
delivery of actions, noting there may be some variation
between individual states and territories.
Delivery of this Action Plan requires integrated
governance arrangements that cut across traditional
government boundaries. Relevant Australian, state and
territory ministers will oversee the implementation of
the National Action Plan, monitor progress and approve
future Action Plans.
To achieve this, all governments have agreed to a
governance structure for the Action Plan. This includes
an ongoing Intergovernmental Road Safety Steering
Committee (the Steering Committee) comprised of
representatives from the Australian Government, each
state and territory and the Australian Local Government
Association. The Steering Committee will meet quarterly
and will report to the Infrastructure and Transport Senior
Officials’ Committee (ITSOC). The Steering Committee,
led by the Australian Government through the Office of
Road Safety, will be responsible for the development and
co-ordination of the National Road Safety Annual Report
to the Infrastructure and Transport Ministers’ Meeting
(ITMM), on progress against the actions identified in this
Action Plan.
A Road Safety Data Working Group (the Group) will
report to the Steering Committee and focus on making
data available for measuring progress towards the
National Road Safety Strategy. The Group will aim to
develop a nationally consistent data set. This Group
will also agree on national Dashboard Reporting that
will best inform an understanding of progress towards
achieving targets set out in the Strategy and Action Plan.
 INFRASTRUCTURE AND TRANSPORT MINISTERS’ MEETING

Road safety a regular agenda item

—
Agree to release the National Road Safety Annual Report
—
Approve amendments to the National Road Safety Strategy
—
Approve National Road Safety Action Plans

AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT
STATE AND TERRITORY MINISTERS
MINISTERS

Host regular Road Safety Roundtables Form state and territory road safety policy
— and priorities
Form Australian Government road safety policy
and priorities

INFRASTRUCTURE AND TRANSPORT SENIOR OFFICIALS’ COMMITTEE

Oversee the implementation of the National Road Safety Strategy and Action Plan
—
Convene annual stakeholder meeting
—
Consult on the National Road Safety Annual Report

INTERGOVERNMENTAL STEERING COMMITTEE

Implement the National Road Safety Strategy and Action Plan

—
Prepare the National Road Safety Annual Report
—
Agree national policy priorities
—
Develop the National Road Safety Action Plan 2026–2030

ROAD SAFETY DATA WORKING GROUP

Consult with stakeholders on specific road safety data issues

National Road Safety Action Plan / 2023–25 7

w

What we are already doing

Each state and territory government’s efforts to achieve their road
safety objectives contributes to the success of the national commitment
of governments towards Vision Zero. Individual states and territories
implement their own road safety strategies and action plans to address
road safety issues and priorities within their own jurisdictions.
There are shared targets, actions and priorities between the National Strategy and the Action Plan, and the state/
territory strategies and action plans. Governments are working together to progress national targets, actions and
priorities to complement each jurisdiction’s road safety strategies and action plans. A snapshot of the activities and
programs that all states and territories are currently implementing against the 9 priorities is available on the National
Road Safety Strategy website.

Australian Capital Territory

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Road Safety Strategy 2020–25 outlines the ACT
Government’s commitment to improving road safety and reducing road trauma in the
ACT, setting ACT on the path to Vision Zero. The Strategy outlines the ACT’s approach
to road safety and the principles that will guide road safety policy in the ACT.
The first ACT Road Safety Action Plan 2020–23 under this Strategy will focus on
distraction; drink and drug driving; vulnerable road users; and speeding.
The ACT works closely with the ACT Chapter of the Australasian College of Road
Safety and neighbouring NSW local councils to address road safety concerns that
could affect drivers from the ACT and the region, such as the Kings Highway summer
campaign, which is a major highway connecting the ACT and the south coast, and the
Monaro Highway snow safe campaign.
Oversight of progress in meeting the ACT’s Vision Zero objectives is provided by the
ACT Road Safety Advisory Board who are supported by subcommittees including the
ACT Road Safety Camera Management Group and the ACT Road Safety Task Force
comprising all government agencies responsible for the implementation of the ACT
Road Safety Strategy.
For further information see: ACT Road Safety Strategy 2020–25 and ACT Road Safety
Action Plan 2020–23.

New South Wales

In April 2022 the New South Wales (NSW) Government announced the new 2026
Road Safety Action Plan. Building on the accomplishments of the previous Road
Safety Action Plan 2021, the new Plan includes new targets to halve deaths and
reduce serious injuries by 30 per cent on NSW roads by 2030, and outlines the priority
initiatives for delivery over the next 5 years to progress towards achieving the new
targets. Lifesaving measures in the new Plan will continue to be delivered through the
Community Road Safety Fund, which ensures every dollar generated from road safety
camera detected offences goes back into delivery of road safety initiatives.
For further information see: Road Safety Action Plan 2021, NSW Road Safety
Strategy 2012–21, NSW Future Transport Strategy, and NSW 2026 Road Safety
Action Plan.

8 National Road Safety Action Plan / 2023–25

Northern Territory

The Northern Territory Government remains committed to reducing road trauma in

the Territory. Under the Towards Zero Road Safety Action Plan 2018–22, the NT is
delivering a number of focused actions to improve road safety for all road users.
Towards Zero focused priority areas include alcohol and drugs, seatbelts, speed
and driving to the conditions, roads and roadsides, safer vehicles and vulnerable
road users. A priority in 2023 will be to develop the new Towards Zero Road Safety
Action Plan.
For further information see: NT Towards Zero Road Safety Action Plan 2018–22.

Queensland

The Queensland Road Safety Strategy 2022–31 takes a new, more integrated
approach to road safety that considers the broader system factors that contribute to
road trauma. Building on the Safe System as the foundation, Queensland’s new model
elevates and expands Queensland’s approach by using Movement and Place to better
understand the system, and health and behaviour to better understand road users.
The model is organised into 4 priority pathways including: roads and roadsides, places
and spaces, individuals and communities.
The Queensland Road Safety Action Plan 2022–24 is the first action plan under the
new Strategy and contains 20 actions, each aligned with 1 of the 4 pathways in the
Strategy. The actions are characterised as either continuing to deliver what we know
works (for example, education, deterrence), or setting the foundations for new ways of
working to improve road safety outcomes (for example, place-based initiatives, joining
up government). The strategy and action plan are also supported by the Queensland
Road Safety Research and Evaluation Framework.
For further information see: Queensland Road Safety Strategy 2022–31 and
Queensland Road Safety Action Plan 2022–24.

South Australia

South Australia’s Road Safety Strategy to 2031 is a 10 year strategy to reduce

lives lost and serious injuries on South Australia’s roads. Key areas of focus include
improving road safety in regional and remote areas with a particular focus on young
drivers and riders; vehicle safety; Aboriginal road users; older road users; walking and
cycling and public transport.
For further information see: South Australia’s Road Safety Strategy to 2031.

National Road Safety Action Plan / 2023–25 9

 Tasmania

Under the Tasmanian Towards Zero Action Plan 2020-24, the Tasmanian Government
is progressing a number of targeted initiatives to improve safety on Tasmanian roads
under the key themes of: saving young lives; making our rural roads safer; improving
safety in our towns and cities; encouraging safer road use; and improving safety
through vehicles and technology. Importantly under the Action Plan, the Tasmanian
Government has progressed major enhancements to the Tasmanian Graduated
Licensing Scheme to create a safer system for young drivers and their passengers.
For further information see: Towards Zero – Tasmanian Road Safety Strategy 2017–26
and Towards Zero Action Plan 2020–24.

Victoria

Victoria is implementing a number of road safety initiatives under the first action plan
of the Victorian Road Safety Strategy 2021–30. The Victorian Road Safety Action Plan
2021–23 has a focus on vulnerable road users, people who use the roads for work or
at work, supporting and enforcing safer driver behaviour and reducing the underlying
risk on the road network. In addition to this, Victoria is also delivering life-saving road
safety initiatives via community grants programs, the motorcycle safety levy program,
updating speed zoning guidelines, the L2P learner driver mentor program, the Bike Ed
program and through optimising enforcement to address high risk behaviours.
For further information see: Victorian Road Safety Strategy 2021–30 and Victorian
Road Safety Action Plan 2021–23.

Western Australia

The Western Australian Government recognises that death and serious injury on the
road network is unacceptable. To demonstrate WA’s commitment to reducing road
trauma a Road Safety Strategy for 2020–30 and Road Safety Action plan for 2021–23
outline the priorities and strategic focus areas. An ambitious target of reducing road
trauma by 50% – 70% by 2030 has been set. The strategy and action plan build upon
existing road safety efforts and what has proven to be successful in saving lives.
For further information see: Driving Change Road Safety Strategy 2020–30 and
Driving Change Road Safety Action Plan 2021–23.

10 National Road Safety Action Plan / 2023–25

Enabling activities
DATA

There is a critical need to improve national road safety
data, and strengthen the evidence base for decisions on
the most efficient and effective ways to deliver better
road safety outcomes. Access to timely and accurate
data is critical for policy, service delivery, and government
decision making. It is acknowledged that data is required
to enable governments to monitor the implementation
of the Strategy and its Action Plans, support evidence-
based policy and investment decisions, and enable
the evaluation of policies and programs and deliver
better road safety outcomes. Further, data held by one
government can also be valuable to another government
in delivering its activities. Responsible, secure and
seamless sharing of data between governments is
an efficient use of resources, will deliver better road
safety outcomes for Australians, and will also help to
drive economic value, research and innovation, and
improve services.
The Australian Government publishes a wide range
of statistical information about road safety outcomes.
The statistical information has been developed over
time, including over the life of the previous Strategy
(National Road Safety Strategy 2011-20). The data
used to produce the national road safety datasets is
predominantly owned by state and territory governments,
and derived from systems and processes established
to meet their respective legislative and management
requirements. The result is a complex and varied set of
data definitions, classifications, and coding practices
that require time to deliver and process into a useable
national dataset. Within this complex system, reliable
national statistical data is a critical enabler to gaining
insight across the system to inform public policy and
decision making. National reporting is also used to meet
international reporting obligations. A clear, logical and
concise structure for data collection activities is needed
to guide future data developments and identify the
purpose for which the data will be used. A National Road
Safety Data Collection and Reporting Framework, that
sets consistent definitions, structured and standardised
formats and timely outputs, would provide the national
minimum data requirements needed to inform public
policy at the national level, and progress towards
delivering the Strategy.
To enable the development of the National Road
Safety Data Collection and Reporting Framework, the
Intergovernmental Road Safety Data Sharing Agreement
will establish clear processes to facilitate the sharing of
data. This sharing arrangement will be underpinned by
strong safeguards, particularly around personal data
privacy protections, while allowing the sharing of national
crash data and any future road safety datasets. The
Agreement also implements a transparent governance
framework that provides assurances to all parties that
data is stored and used in a secure, safe, lawful and
ethical manner, and includes a mechanism to agree
consistent national definitions and structured formats.
The specification of access, usage and definitions for
each dataset will be documented as part of its respective
schedule, with new schedules to be added as new
datasets are identified and prioritised.
To enable the National Road Safety Data Hub to collect,
analyse, evaluate and share a greater range of road
safety data, as well as support monitoring of the Strategy
and Action Plan, the following actions will be undertaken.

The Australian Government will:

Action By when
Finalise the Intergovernmental Road Safety Data Sharing Agreement with states and territories Mid 2023
to enable collection, storage, use and on-sharing of road safety data sets by the National Road
Safety Data Hub
Lead and co-ordinate work with the states and territories to develop a National Road Safety Data Late 2024
Collection and Reporting Framework and minimum national dataset
Support states and territories to implement data linkage projects and processes Ongoing

State and territory governments will:

Action By when
Work with the Australian Government to develop a National Road Safety Data Collection and Late 2024
Reporting Framework and National Road Safety Minimum Dataset
Provide agreed road safety data to the National Road Safety Data Hub to support a national Ongoing
view on where and when fatalities and serious injuries are occurring, contributing factors and
demographic information

11 National Road Safety Action Plan / 2023–25 11

Case study –
NSW road crash data linkage
NSW has some of the highest quality information on road crashes in the world. This is achieved through strong
partnerships between agencies and ongoing data enhancements to help government agencies better respond to what
is causing road trauma. In particular, NSW has successfully linked databases from NSW Health, the State Insurance
Regulatory Authority (SIRA), icare (Insurance and Care NSW), NSW Police and Transport for NSW to obtain a frequently
updated holistic view of road crash injury in the state. The linked datasets and the geocoding of individual crashes
allow for new, detailed and more meaningful insights into the road injury problem that can be easily shared with
non-government road safety stakeholders.

MEASURE TRANSFORMATION OF THE SYSTEM

Effective evaluation and monitoring of progress towards
delivering the Strategy is critical to tracking progress,
evaluating the effectiveness of system interventions
and achieving the targets of reducing road trauma
in the Strategy. Data and research are recognised as
complementary methods to efficiently and effectively
measure progress and provide information to improve
outcomes. The safety performance indicators put
a spotlight on changes to the system that will help
drive ongoing performance improvements to achieve
systematic road trauma reductions over time.
This Action Plan applies the safety performance
indicators to each priority area to show how success will
be measured by the type and extent of change over time.
Where gaps exist, the Action Plan acknowledges that
some data may not be immediately available or optimal,
and sets out the expectation for delivering a reportable
measure. Tracking progress over the life of the Strategy
and Action Plan by regular reporting through the agreed
governance processes will ensure that both successes
and failures are acknowledged, and informed decisions
are taken to realise an effective transformation of the
system.
The following actions will be implemented by
governments to monitor the implementation of the
Strategy and its action plans.

The Australian Government will:

Action By when
Implement strong governance frameworks to ensure delivery and accountability against road Early 2023
safety infrastructure program objectives and report on progress
Co-ordinate implementation of the National Road Safety Strategy 2021-30 to enable ministers to Ongoing
report annually on their delivery (first report 2023)

State and territory governments will:

Action By when
Report annually on the delivery of the Action Plan and related safety performance indicators Ongoing
(if data are available for these indicators) (first report 2023)

12 National Road Safety Action Plan / 2023–25

RESEARCH
Research is vital to progress the development of new to road safety research to better co-ordinate and
approaches, to pilot and trial real-world new concepts, prioritise national research priorities, identify any gaps
test innovative ideas and develop best practice models and avoid potential duplication.
and guidelines.
A national approach to road safety research that links
Australia has a reputation for undertaking robust road research projects and sets out a longer-term vision will
safety research. As our road safety landscape continues also improve outcomes, significantly increase efficiency
to evolve ongoing road safety research will be critical in and improve road safety policy.
the context of new developments - including new and
Co-ordination of road safety research, managed at a
emerging vehicle technology, increasing use of alternate
national level, would support a future-focused approach
modes of transport such as personal mobility devices,
to research and evaluation, supporting the National
and workplace road safety implications from emerging
Road Safety Strategy and enable evidence-based
industries like the gig economy.
implementation of road safety initiatives.
The Australian Government, and all states and territories,
Further, a nationally co-ordinated approach will help
will each undertake separate streams of road safety
ensure research is focused on road safety initiatives that
research in partnership with research institutions,
have the greatest benefit to reduce road trauma, and
industry and national bodies – such as Austroads and
eliminate the duplication of research.
the National Transport Commission. However, there is a
need for an improved national picture on what research Any national approach would still allow individual
is currently being undertaken or planned by Australian, states and territories to initiate their own research
state and territory governments. By doing this we can where necessary.
look towards creating a consolidated national approach
The Australian Government will:
Action By when
Conduct a review of road safety research being undertaken/commissioned by Australian, state Mid 2023
and territory governments to develop a national road safety research picture
Work with states and territories and road safety national agencies to develop a National Road Late 2024
Safety Research Framework to co-ordinate and prioritise road safety research

SUPPORTING LOCAL GOVERNMENT

A significant proportion of Australia’s road network is Strategy. Governments will take the following actions
managed by local governments. Building and retaining to improve local government road safety capabilities
road safety capabilities within local government is an through this Action Plan.
important component of achieving the objectives of the
The Australian Government will:
Action By when
Lead the development of a framework in consultation with all governments, to support local Late 2023
governments to conduct fit for purpose network road safety risk assessments to prioritise
infrastructure investment
Co-ordinate the delivery of road safety training to local governments in consultation with state and Late 2024
territory governments

State and territory governments will:

Action By when
Provide local governments with access to serious injury and fatality data for their networks Commence
late 2023
Support local governments to improve the data they hold on local road networks, to: Ongoing
• Better understand the safety of their network
• Report on and invest in their local infrastructure
• Communicate and engage with their communities on road safety

National Road Safety Action Plan / 2023–25 13

Priorities
INFRASTRUCTURE PLANNING AND INVESTMENT
Governments will focus on designing a Safe System that is future focused.

Infrastructure and Transport Ministers have agreed all
investments in road infrastructure planning, design and
construction require application of Safe System principles
and inclusion of safety treatments that align with
these principles.
Ongoing arrangements are in place through the National
Partnership Agreement on Land Transport Infrastructure
Projects, providing an approach to ensure all road
investments contribute to reducing road trauma with a
specific focus on regional and remote roads.

The Australian Government will:

Action By when
Co-ordinate a review of the Australian Road Rules and development of a Regulatory Impact Statement Commence
(RIS) on reducing the open road default speed limit in consultation with state and territory governments, 2023
including police, and local government
Develop an assessment and evaluation framework for the delivery of road safety upgrades funded by Late 2023
the Australian Government
Fund infrastructure investment through the National Partnership Agreement on Land Transport Ongoing
Infrastructure Projects, including projects that aim to improve road safety
State and territory governments will:
Action By when
Assess state and territory government roads and embed road network safety plans* to assist the Commence
planning and design of the state and territory government road network, with a focus on high volume mid 2023
and arterial roads
Fund infrastructure investment through state and territory investment programs and apply Safe System Ongoing
principles with a focus on prioritising high-volume routes and arterial roads
Fund and implement appropriate road safety interventions and support infrastructure in areas as Ongoing
identified in network planning

*A ‘network safety plan’ is an assessment of the road safety risk across a road network supplemented by the
assessment of benefits against the costs of specific road safety interventions to reduce that risk. The output of a network
safety plan is an investment plan which can be budgeted for and implemented as funds become available.
Success will be primarily measured by:
Safety performance indicators • Increased share of travel on all national highways and
• Increased share of state and territory governments and on the high-speed network (≥ 80 km/h) covering 80 per
local councils with a fit-for-purpose road safety risk cent of travel recognised as 3-stars (or equivalent risk
assessment as an investment plan for its infrastructure rating) or better
• Increased share of signalised intersections with a
speed limit < 70 km/h.

Case study –
TAS Midland Highway Road Safety Improvements
Under the Midland Highway 10 Year Action Plan, the Australian and Tasmanian governments are investing over
$550 million in safety upgrades to save lives on Tasmania’s key north-south highway. The Action Plan is underpinned by
the Safe System approach, recognising the road infrastructure must be designed to reduce both the likelihood of crashes
occurring and the severity of crashes if they do occur. The objective of the 10-year investment in the Midland Highway is
to deliver a minimum 3-star rating over the entire length of the highway. To achieve a 3-star safety rating, a number of
road treatments are being applied. The final works are expected to be completed during the 2024/25 summer.

14 National Road Safety Action Plan / 2023–25

REGIONAL ROAD SAFETY
Governments at all levels will plan and implement network-wide
safety improvements.

Around 55 per cent of road crash deaths are in regional These roads have been found to consistently have a
areas (ABS Inner and Outer Regional Areas). Higher much higher proportion of crash deaths than other
death rates outside of metropolitan areas occur on high roads. Strategies are needed to reduce regional crashes,
speed, undivided roads with poor surface conditions and including through making the roads safer.
design. These roads typically have a high-speed limit
Several actions which will improve regional road safety
default (100 km/h in most jurisdictions, though many
are identified in the infrastructure and investment priority.
roads are signposted at 110 km/h).
The Australian Government will:
Action By when
Target future road safety programs to deliver Safe System treatments on high to moderate volume roads Commence
mid 2023
Co-ordinate the development of a RIS on reducing the default speed limit for unsealed roads in regional Commence
areas in consultation with state and territory governments, including police 2023
State and territory governments will:
Action By when
Undertake safety risk assessments on high to moderate volume regional roads, identifying key priorities Commence
and implementing specific road safety infrastructure improvements to reduce run-off-road and head-on 2023
crashes within a 10-year investment program
Manage public road networks where there is no local government Ongoing
Success will be primarily measured by:
Safety performance indicators
• Increased share of state and territory governments • Increased share of signalised intersections with a
and local councils with a fit-for-purpose road safety speed limit < 70 km/h
risk assessment as an investment plan for its • Increased share of vehicles at or below speed limit.
infrastructure
• Increased share of travel on all national highways
and on the high-speed network (≥ 80 km/h) covering
80 per cent of travel recognised as 3-stars (or
equivalent risk rating) or better

Case study –
Intersection safety upgrades on 30 high-speed, high-risk rural intersections
Victoria is making 30 high-speed, high-risk rural intersections safer with new features designed to reduce the risk of
serious crashes. It is improving safety by delivering intersection improvements, including:
• Installing traffic islands to separate lanes entering and exiting intersections
• Installing roundabouts
• Adding additional line markings to better define intersections and lanes
• Removing obstructions to improve line of sight
• Upgrading street lighting
• Adding signage to warn motorists that they are approaching an intersection
• Installing raised intersection platforms to encourage drivers to slow down
• Installing protected right turning lanes and left slip lanes.

National Road Safety Action Plan / 2023–25 15

REMOTE ROAD SAFETY
Governments at all levels will plan and implement network-wide
safety improvements.

About 10 per cent of deaths on Australian roads occur These roads have been found to consistently have a
in remote or very remote areas. The risk to an individual much higher proportion of crash deaths than other
of being killed on a road in these areas is 11 times (the roads. Strategies are needed to reduce regional crashes,
population rate comparison) the risk in a major city. including through making the roads safer.
The national fatality rate for people in remote areas is
Several actions which will improve regional and remote
15.8 people per 100,000 and 30.4 per 100,000 in very
road safety are identified in the infrastructure and
remote areas. This compares to 2.0 per 100,000 in major
investment priority.
cities.
The Australian Government will:
Action By when
Target future road safety programs to deliver Safe System treatments on high to moderate volume roads Commence
mid 2023
Co-ordinate the development of a RIS on reducing the default speed limit for unsealed roads across Commence
remote areas in consultation with states and territories and police 2023
State and territory governments will:
Action By when
Conduct safety risk assessments on high to moderate volume remote roads, identifying key priorities and Commence
implementing specific road safety infrastructure improvements to reduce run-off-road, head-on crashes mid 2023
or other leading crash causes within a 10-year investment program
Success will be primarily measured by:
Safety performance indicators
• Increased share of state and territory governments • Increased share of signalised intersections with a
and local councils with a fit-for-purpose road safety speed limit < 70 km/h
risk assessment as an investment plan for its • Increased share of vehicles at or below speed limit.
infrastructure
• Increased share of travel on all national highways and
on the high-speed network (≥ 80 km/h) covering 80
per cent of travel recognised as 3-stars (or equivalent
risk rating) or better

Case study –
Outback Way
The Outback Way is a 2,720 kilometre route that traverses Central Australia, connecting Laverton in Western Australia
with Winton in Queensland via Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. The condition of the route varies, with sections of
unsealed, single lane seal and dual lane seal of differing standards and quality. The Australian Government is investing
$1 billion to significantly improve the usability of the route, improving safety, accessibility and reliability. A sealed
Outback Way will provide an alternative, shorter route through Central Australia, delivering important economic and
social benefits for regional, remote and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

16 National Road Safety Action Plan / 2023–25

VEHICLE SAFETY
Pursue technological improvements and uptake of safer vehicles.

Effective vehicle safety features reduce the risk of
involvement in fatal and serious injury crashes through
crash avoidance, as well as provide protection in the event
of a crash to occupants and other road users. Emerging
transport technologies such as Connected and Automated
The Australian Government will:
Vehicles (CAVs) have potential to improve transport
safety, productivity, accessibility and sustainability.
Work is progressing through the National Land Transport
Technology Action Plan to prepare the road network
for CAVs.

Action By when
Regulate first entry of road vehicles into Australian market including: Ongoing
• Contributing to international vehicle regulations
• Introducing new safety Australian Design Rules (ADRs), and finalising regulatory packages
through the ADRs
Investigate opportunities to reduce average fleet age in regional communities Commence 2023
Undertake a review of the ADR process to prioritise vehicle safety features and reduce the time to Late 2023
introduce new ADRs
Legislate (subject to RIS outcomes) new ADRs for:
• Lane Departure Warning Systems for heavy vehicles Early 2023
• Reversing Detection Systems – cameras, sensors, and/or close-proximity rear-view Early 2023
mirrors – subject to United Nations developments for both light and heavy vehicles
• Lane Keep Assist Systems for light vehicles (subject to international developments) Mid 2023
• Acoustic Vehicle Alert System for electric vehicles Mid 2023
• Driver drowsiness and inattention warning systems in both light and heavy vehicles Late 2025
– subject to international developments
• Intelligent Speed Assistance for both light and heavy vehicles (subject to
international developments)
• Enhanced devices for indirect vision, blind spot information systems and side underrun
protection systems on heavy vehicles (subject to international developments).
Co-ordinate the update of the Australian Light Vehicle Standards Rules, and the implementation Ongoing
of in-service vehicle standards
Contribute funding to the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) and the Used Car Ongoing
Safety Ratings Program (UCSR)
Develop and implement Australian government wide fleet purchasing policies that take into Ongoing
account vehicle safety features
Examine and conduct research into the effectiveness of new vehicle safety technologies Ongoing (in line
with the National
Research Framework)

State and territory governments will:

Action By when
Provide fatal and serious injury crash data and subject matter expertise to support the Ongoing
acceleration of ADR uptake
Promote the uptake of vehicle safety technologies, including through: Ongoing
• Funding and promoting both the ANCAP and the UCSR
• Government fleet purchasing policies
Success will be primarily measured by:
Safety performance indicators
• Increased share of light vehicle fleet that has an ANCAP 5-star rating within a 6-year date stamp.

National Road Safety Action Plan / 2023–25 17

Case study –
Victorian unsafe2safe
As part of the Victorian Road Safety Strategy 2021–2030, the unsafe2safe program is a trial project aimed at
encouraging the most vulnerable driver cohort into driving safer vehicles. The program is targeted at young adults aged
18-25 years residing in regional Victoria, who are over-represented in crash trauma statistics. Many of these young
adults drive older vehicles that have low crash safety ratings and they do not have access to vehicles with newer safety
features that are proven to reduce crash risk. Up to 1,000 eligible drivers will be offered a $5,000 subsidy to scrap
their old, unsafe car and purchase a newer cars equipped with improved crashworthiness performance and safety
technology.
The program was successfully launched in Ballarat and Bendigo in February 2022 and has now expanded to all areas in
regional Victoria.
Over 4,000 applications from potential participants have been received so far, indicating keen interest from the public.
Eligible participants can use the $5,000 subsidy towards purchasing a newer, safer car - leaving their older, less safe
car with the dealer for disposal to ensure it doesn’t return to the roads and that crash risk won’t be transferred to
another person.
The program will undergo multiple phases where varying approaches will be tested and trialled to encourage young
drivers transition into a safer vehicle. Applying learnings from each of these phases, Road Safety Victoria aims to explore
meaningful ways to support the most vulnerable individuals into owning safer cars and to remove older, unsafe vehicles
from the Victorian fleet.

HEAVY VEHICLE SAFETY

Support safe movement of freight and passengers and reduce harm to all
road users.

Around 17 per cent of all road crash deaths involve a Several of the actions which will improve Heavy Vehicle
heavy vehicle. While heavy vehicles crash less often than Safety are identified in the Vehicle Safety priority.
other vehicles, these crashes are more likely to result in a
death or serious injury – regardless of fault – due to the
greater mass of these vehicles.

The Australian Government will:

Action By when
Co-ordinate the Austroads review of the National Heavy Vehicle Driver Competency framework Early 2023
(underway)
Through the Heavy Vehicle National Law Review, work with state and territory governments Commence 2023
and national bodies, lead the development of a national fatigue risk management approach for
heavy vehicle drivers, that includes:
• Compliance with the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) where applicable
• Uptake of fatigue and distraction detection technology as a mechanism for managing
fatigue
• Review options to improve heavy vehicle operator and driver fatigue management
Build and upgrade heavy vehicle rest areas to ensure drivers have the facilities they need to Commence 2023
rest, recuperate and return safely home
Co-ordinate work to gain insights from heavy vehicle telematics data and implications for Early 2024
heavy vehicle safety
Co-ordinate with states and territories (where the Heavy Vehicle National Law has Commence 2024
commenced) the update of the Heavy Vehicle (Vehicle Standards) National Regulation
Work with the National Road Safety Partnership Program and industry to promote adoption of Ongoing
heavy-vehicle-fleet purchasing policies encouraging inclusion of safety technologies
Fund initiatives to improve interaction of heavy vehicles and other road users Ongoing
Continue funding the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiatives program to support implementable, Ongoing
value-for-money projects that deliver tangible improvements to heavy vehicle safety

18 National Road Safety Action Plan / 2023–25

State and territory governments will:
Action By when
Lead the development of guidance on sharing the roads safely with heavy vehicles, including Late 2023
through novice driver education programs and licensing testing
Co-ordinate processes between licensing authorities, training organisations, accreditation Commence 2024
agencies and industry, to update and implement the National Heavy Vehicle Driver
Competency Framework and other driver training units of competency
In participating jurisdictions, deliver the Heavy Vehicle National Law reforms Commence 2024

Success will be primarily measured by:

Safety performance indicators
• Increased share of travel on all national highways and on the high-speed network (≥ 80 km/h) covering 80 per cent of
travel recognised as 3-stars (or equivalent risk rating) or better.

Case study –
National Heavy Vehicle Reforms
In August 2022 the Infrastructure and Transport Ministers Meeting considered Mr Kanofski’s report on the HVNL, and
to progress a package of propositions recommended in the report that will improve safety and productivity in the heavy
vehicle sector.
Ministers have agreed this work will be overseen by some of the most senior transport officials in Australia. They will
have a crucial role in guiding implementation of the HVNL legislative and non-legislative reforms, and will receive
independent advice from Mr Kanofski and the Australian Local Government Association to inform their work. Ministers
have also asked Mr Kanofski to lead major stakeholder consultation activities for the development of the new law,
building on the constructive engagement between industry and Mr Kanofski over the course of 2022.
Ministers tasked the National Transport Commission to bring a Decision RIS on the legislative reforms back for their
consideration in the second quarter of 2023.

WORKPLACE ROAD SAFETY

Enable safety culture in organisations to take responsibility for vehicles and
roads as a workplace.

Work Health and Safety (WHS) legislation in Australia People who carry out their work on roads, such as traffic
establishes duties relating to working on or near roads controllers and delivery riders, also face considerable risk
(the road as a workplace), and the use of vehicles for to their health and safety due to road related hazards.
work purposes. Vehicle use in road traffic is by far the
Several of the actions which will improve Workplace
most significant contributor to work-related traumatic
Road Safety are identified in the Vehicle Safety priority
injury. Safe Work Australia reports that 64 per cent
and Heavy Vehicle Safety priority.
of worker traumatic injury fatalities since 2003 have
involved a vehicle, with 50 per cent of those incidents
occurring on a public road.
The Australian Government will:
Action By when
Promote Safe Work Australia’s national approach to improving work health and safety in the Commence mid 2023
road transport industry
Fund and promote the National Road Safety Partnership Program’s work of supporting Commence mid 2023
Australian businesses in developing a positive road safety culture
Fund workplace road safety awareness campaigns Commence mid 2023
Undertake an audit of workplace road safety policies across Australian Government agencies Commence mid 2023

National Road Safety Action Plan / 2023–25 19

 Action By when
Implement Austroads’ Vehicles as a Workplace: Work Health & Safety Guide in Australian Commence mid 2023
government agencies
Lead research into data relating to workplace crashes and near misses when the road is part Commence late 2024
of the workplace
Mandate that the CLOCS-A Standard and/or ISO 39001 Road Traffic Safety Management Late 2025
Systems be applied to construction projects/programs that are funded by the Australian
Government

Establish baseline data for workplace fatalities involving a vehicle Late 2025

State and territory governments will:

Action By when
Fund and promote the National Road Safety Partnership Program’s work of supporting Commence 2023
Australian businesses in developing a positive road safety culture
Implement Austroads’ Vehicles as a Workplace: Work Health & Safety Guide in government Commence 2023
agencies and more broadly
Undertake an audit of workplace road safety policies across state and territory government Commence 2023
agencies
Support implementation of CLOCS-A to provide government and industry with a framework Late 2025
for managing risks associated with heavy vehicles and construction logistics, and/or ISO
39001 Road Traffic Safety Management Systems in line with Manual of Uniform Traffic Control
Devices (MUTCD) or equivalent guidelines
Review traffic management policies with particular attention to speed limits at roadwork sites Ongoing
and their enforcement
Fund workplace road safety awareness campaigns Ongoing
Contribute data to the Australian Government to assist in the establishment of a baseline for Ongoing
workplace fatalities involving a vehicle

Success will be primarily measured by:

Safety performance indicators
• Increased share of travel on all national highways and on the high-speed network (≥ 80 km/h) covering 80 per cent of
travel recognised as 3-stars (or equivalent risk rating) or better.
An Increased share of travel on all national highways and on the high-speed network (≥ 80 km/h) covering 80 per cent
of travel recognised as 3-stars (or equivalent risk rating) or better will be used as a proxy indicator for workplace road
safety for this Action Plan.
The establishment of a baseline for workplace fatalities involving a vehicle developed through this Action Plan will inform
a new safety performance indicator for the next Action Plan.

Case study –
NSW ‘Road Safety in Your Workplace’ program
This program encourages employers across NSW to embed a positive road safety culture in their workplace. The program
has made a number of resources available to employers and employees, including case studies, an interactive online
employer toolkit to aid organisations on their road safety journey, as well as supporting resources and collateral.
The program was launched in May 2021 and included a campaign encouraging workplaces to implement road safety
policies. The use of the guide ‘Road Safety and Your Work: A Guide for Employers’ and supporting resources has allowed
Transport for NSW to work across Government to implement road safety policies.

20 National Road Safety Action Plan / 2023–25

ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER PEOPLE
Improve road safety outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people bear a higher The fatality rate per capita is higher in regional and
burden of road trauma, and are nearly 3 times more likely remote areas than in major cities, and is highest in very
to die in road crashes than other Australians. remote areas.
The Australian Government will:
Action By when
Ensure road safety education programs funded by the Australian Government include a focus Commence mid 2023
on improving learning and access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and
also include foundational road safety messaging for communities
Identify opportunities for prevention and diversionary programs for court officials for Commence late 2024
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, in collaboration with states and territories
Establish baseline data for fatalities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people on Late 2025
public roads
In line with governments’ commitment to the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, create Ongoing
partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, communities and organisations
to understand road safety priorities
Build trusted relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and Ongoing
communities to jointly develop culturally appropriate countermeasures to close the gap for
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by improving road safety outcomes. Engage
businesses operating in communities in road safety dialogue, including on implementing
relevant countermeasures developed

State and territory governments will:

Action By when
Work with the Australian Government to develop partnerships with Aboriginal and Ongoing
Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations and support initiatives to improve road
safety outcomes
Work with remote communities to improve transport options and funding, and deliver driver Ongoing
licensing programs
Contribute data to the Australian Government to assist in the establishment of a baseline for Ongoing
fatalities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people on public roads

Success will be primarily measured by:

Primary outcome indicator
• Reduction in the number of deaths of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
• Reduction in the number of serious injuries of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
The establishment of a baseline for fatalities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people on public roads developed
through this Action Plan will inform a new safety performance indicator for the next Action Plan.

Case study –
NT DriveSafe
DriveSafe NT is a driver education and licensing program being delivered in 74 remote communities throughout the
Northern Territory. The DriveSafe team liaise with relevant communities to determine the delivery program, ensuring buy
in at community level while leading by example with NT’s Towards Zero Action Plan and the Remote Engagement and
Co-ordination Strategy.
DriveSafe was developed by the Northern Territory Department of Infrastructure, Logistics and Planning to assist remote
communities in achieving licences while also having access to basic Motor Vehicle Registry transactions.

National Road Safety Action Plan / 2023–25 21

The program includes 3 to 6 hours of driver education to assist novice drivers in understanding their part in safe driving,
aiming for life long positive driving behaviours. DriveSafe Remote visits remote communities and assists local Territorians
to gain their learner and provisional licences, actively increasing the number of Aboriginal Territorians obtaining their driver
licences. The program provides driver education and training for Northern Territory residents 16 years and over.
The learning modules and practical training required to receive a licence teach and reinforce an understanding of the road
rules with an aim of reducing driving related road trauma. Since inception in 2012 the DriveSafe has achieved the delivery
of 9,259 learner licences and 2,722 Provisional Licences.

VULNERABLE ROAD USERS

Provide safe access for all road users.

Roads are shared by many types of road users. ‘Vulnerable Pedestrians

road users’ describes road users who have minimal
Pedestrians travel low distances in kilometres relative to
physical protection, making them more vulnerable in
other road users, yet comprise on average 13.3 per cent
the event of a crash. The probability of death or serious
of all road fatalities in Australia over the last 5 years.
injury for vulnerable road users in a crash increases
The majority of pedestrian fatalities involve a collision with
exponentially with increasing vehicle speed. There is an
a light vehicle. Children and the elderly are particularly
estimated 10 per cent probability of being killed if struck
vulnerable to injury or death in a crash.
at 30km/h, but this rises to over 90 per cent at 50km/h,
the default speed in built-up areas. The system needs to Pedestrian fatalities over the last 10 years have shown
be designed and retrofitted to minimise the chances of little progress in downward trends.
unprotected road users coming into conflict with vehicles.
‘Vulnerable road users’ describe a broad category of Cyclists
road users including pedestrians, children under seven,
Cyclist fatalities averaged 3.4 per cent of total road deaths
the elderly, road workers, riders of motorcycles, scooters,
over the last 5 years, with the rate of fatalities remaining
bicycles and e-scooters. While all of these users are
consistent over the last 10 years.
considered vulnerable, they are unique groups that have
both shared and unique road safety issues that need to
be considered.
Other Vulnerable Road Users
Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs), such as electric scooters
Motorcycle riders and electric skateboards, are typically small, portable
and designed to carry one person over short to medium
Motorcycle riders are over-represented in fatal and serious
distances. These devices are growing in popularity globally
injury figures, disproportionate to the number of registered
as people look for more innovative and efficient ways
motorcycles. In 2021, motorcycle fatalities accounted
to move around cities and communities. These devices
for 21 per cent of fatalities of all road users. In 2021, 195
are also being used by delivery drivers in the growing
deaths of motor bike riders (82 per cent) occurred in speed
gig-economy sector.
zones greater than 60 km/h, and 76 of those deaths (38
per cent) occurred in 100 and 110 km/h zones. Most of the actions which will improve safety for
vulnerable road users are identified in the infrastructure
and investment, vehicle safety, heavy vehicle safety, and
workplace road safety priorities.
The Australian Government will:
Action By when
Fund infrastructure and non-infrastructure programs to reduce risks to cyclists, pedestrians Commence mid 2023
and motorcycle riders and future proof the system for new types of vulnerable road users.
Examples of non-infrastructure programs may include education initiatives on sharing the road
safely with motorcycles, cyclists and heavy vehicles

State and territory governments will:

Action By when
Implement safety infrastructure improvements to reduce motorcycle casualties including on Commence 2023
popular motorcycle routes
Fund and implement infrastructure upgrades and consider lower speed zones in areas with Ongoing
high risks to vulnerable road users
Review cycling route planning and implement safe cycling paths in high risk areas Ongoing

22 National Road Safety Action Plan / 2023–25

Success will be primarily measured by:
Safety performance indicators
• Increased share of travel on all national highways and on the high-speed network (≥ 80 km/h) covering 80 per cent of
travel recognised as 3-stars (or equivalent risk rating) or better
• Increased share of road length on designated motorcycle routes with motorcycle friendly crash barriers
• Increased share of signalised intersections with a speed limit < 70 km/h
• Increased share of high pedestrian CBD/town centre areas under Movement and Place or equivalent approaches
with posted speed limits < 40 km/h
• Increased share of roads in urban areas with a posted speed limit ≥ 50 km/h with separated cycleways, and in urban
areas outside of ABS remoteness category ‘major cities’.

Case study –
Causeway Pedestrian and Cyclist Bridges - Victoria Park to Perth CBD
To completely separate path users from traffic, two bridges will be built alongside the Causeway, providing a 6 metre
wide shared path connecting the Victoria Park foreshore with Heirisson Island and Perth’s CBD at Point Fraser.

RISKY ROAD USE

Increase community understanding of risky road use and address through
education and enforcement.

Risky road use includes actions that are explicitly illegal, including speeding, drink or drug driving, illegal mobile phone
use, not wearing a seatbelt or helmet, running a red light, unlicensed driving, and ‘hoon’ driving. A focus on reducing
high-risk behaviour is needed as part of a Safe System approach, as are improvements to the road transport system to
address largely compliant road users making unintentional mistakes which result in crashes.
Some types of risky road use:

Drink and drug driving Speeding

Driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances
affects judgement and decision making, slows reaction
time, reduces attention span and is often combined with
other risky behaviours, such as speeding. The casualty
crash risk doubles when driving with an alcohol level
just in excess of a 0.05 blood alcohol concentration and
the risk of involvement in a fatal crash increases even
more sharply.
Distracted driving
Driver distraction is anything that diverts attention
from driving, such as using a mobile phone, using a
car entertainment system or a smart-watch. 16 per
cent of serious casualty road crashes resulting in
hospital attendance in Australia occur as a result of
distracted driving.
Illegal speeding refers to travelling above the posted
speed limit. In road crashes, impact speed has a
significant correlation to the risk of serious injury across
different crash types, with head-on impacts carrying
more risk at higher speeds. The speed limit must take
into account the standard and condition of the road,
the function the road performs and level of safety to all
road users, traffic volumes and the environment. Setting
appropriate speed limits is a critical component of road
safety. Enforcement of speed limits and deterrence
measures, as well as education of the dangers of
speeding, both play a critical role in reducing this type of
risky behaviour.

National Road Safety Action Plan / 2023–25 23

The Australian Government will:
Action By when
Co-ordinate a Safe Systems review of the Australian Road Rules in consultation with states Commence 2023
and territories and police in all jurisdictions
In consultation with state and territory governments and police agencies, co-ordinate the Late 2024
development of national best practice guidelines for:
• Drink driving
• Drug driving
• Fatigue management
• Speed management
• Driver distraction
State and territory governments will:
Action By when
Implement road safety legislation, setting penalties and levels of enforcement activity based Ongoing
on data supporting its ability to reduce road trauma, and implement best practice approaches

Success will be primarily measured by:

Safety performance indicators
• Increased share of drivers and riders tested who are not over the applicable blood alcohol concentration limit or under
the influence of drugs
• Increased share of vehicles at or below speed limit
• Increased share of drivers and riders observed/photographed not using a mobile phone or device
• Increased share of motor vehicle occupants wearing seatbelts.

Case study –
Mobile phone and seatbelt cameras for enhanced enforcement
Queensland has introduced fixed and portable cameras in urban and regional areas across the state which are in
operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Drivers and passengers who use a mobile phone while driving or wear their
seatbelt incorrectly or not at all, should assume they can be caught anywhere, anytime. Early infringement data suggests
that this technology has the potential to improve road user behaviour significantly over time. In the first 2 months of
enforcement from 1 November to 31 December 2021, over 20,500 infringements were issued for these dangerous
behaviours. Of these more than 14,800 were for using a mobile phone illegally while driving, and more than 5,700 were
for front seat occupants wearing their seatbelts incorrectly, or not at all. Queensland will continue to monitor the progress
of the program and undertake a full evaluation in the coming years.

24 National Road Safety Action Plan / 2023–25

© Commonwealth of Australia 2023
ISBN 978-1-925843-98-9
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National Road Safety Action Plan / 2023–25 25

National Road
Safety Action Plan
Further information
2023–25 www.roadsafety.gov.au